Squatter protests demolition

Squatter protests demolition

JAKARTA (JP): A squatter in Pluit, North Jakarta, set fire to
the remains of his just-demolished house yesterday to protest his
eviction action by local authorities.

The unidentified man said yesterday that he was disgusted by
the demolition of 65 houses, including his, built along the
riverbank on Jl. Jembatan Tiga.

Antara reported that the local fire department deployed four
fire engines to tame the fire.

The local authorities, led by Heriyanto, the head of the
public works office, yesterday tore down the shanties of some 200
squatters to anticipate the coming flood season.

"None of the buildings have permits. They were standing in
restricted zones," Heriyanto said.

Meanwhile, North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito told his subordinates
to be on flood alert. The mayoralty has prepared 46 rubber boats,
18 life vests, six motorboats, 16 tents, 1,500 bags of sand,
seven suction pumps and three generator sets for the rainy
season. (sur)